Jones Fracture

I fell at one of my son's little league practices April 12th, 2008. Got the cast on April 14th (I hoped it was just sprained). Ortho said Fracture of 5th metatarsal or Jones Fracture. Got the cast off June 9th, went into a walking boot (still non weightbearing) for 6 weeks. Then walking boot until yesterday. Xray shows it is healing but slowly, very very slowly. My husband thinks the doctor is giving me the run around and a bone shouldn't take 5-6 months to heal and he wants me to get a 2nd opinion. But there are no other ortho's around here. Yesterday doc said if there is no complete healing by my next appt. in October, he wants me to have surgery to have a pin put in to stabalize it. I do have some pain in it, more if I'm on it alot. I've been off work for 5 months already and need to get back to work soon but doc won't release me. I'm just really disgusted and not sure what to do anymore.

DISCLAIMER: THE FOLLOWING IS OFFERED GRATIS AS GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY, AND, AS SUCH, MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE SPECIFIC QUESTIONER AND/OR HIS/HER PROBLEM. IT IS CLEARLY NOT BASED ON ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE AND/OR EXAMINATION OF THE QUESTIONER OR HIS/HER MEDICAL HISTORY, AND IT CAN NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS DEFINITIVE MEDICAL OPINION OR ADVICE. ONLY THROUGH HANDS- ON PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH THE ACTUAL PATIENT CAN ACCURATE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS BE ESTABLISHED AND SPECIFIC ADVICE BE GIVEN. NO DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS CREATED OR ESTABLISHED OR MAY BE INFERRED. THE QUESTIONER AND/OR READER IS INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN DOCTOR BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY SUGGESTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, AND TO ACT ONLY UPON HIS/HER OWN DOCTOR’S ORDERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. BY THE READING OF MY POSTING WHICH FOLLOWS, THE READER STIPULATES AND CONFIRMS THAT HE/SHE FULLY UNDERSTANDS THIS DISCLAIMER AND HOLDS HARMLESS THIS WRITER. IF THIS IS NOT FULLY AGREEABLE TO YOU, THE READER, AND/OR YOU HAVE NOT ATTAINED THE AGE OF 18 YEARS, YOU HEREBY ARE ADMONISHED TO READ NO FURTHER. ************************************************** *********
As your statement seems to indicate that you were led to believe that a fracture of the 5th metatarsal and a Jones fracture are synonymous, you should first know that that is not so, as a Jones fracture is a specifically define fracture. But let's assume that you did indeed have a Jones fracture, the boundaries of which are medically defined. (see location in thumbnail below). These are fractures that, because of the blood supply to that particular area of the bone, are not uncommonly difficult to heal. Jones fractures have a specific grading or classification relating to their severity and the precise extent of the fracture, and the decision as to what treatment is most appropriate must take into consideration that classification. All other factors being equal, statistics seem to indicate that the surgical approach where a screw is employed to fixate the fracture results in a higher incidence of good bony union than the more conservative casting approach. But that was a judgment call to be made by the attending, and is, anyhow, now water under the bridge. Normal bony healing certainly does not take 5-6 months, but that does not preclude the possibility that bony union might not eventually take place, perhaps with bone stimulation techniques. At some point a doctor must make that judgment call and intervene appropriately. It sounds to me that that is where your doctor is now, and it is now a matter for YOUR judgment as to whether you trust his. A second opinion is most always an appropriate thought, and if there are no other appropriately skilled specialists in your area, it might be worth your while to travel to where there are.

As usual, forums are not appropriate venues for offering case-specific advice, as such normally requires a hands-on examination and knowledge of the intimate details of the case. You would be foolish to allow your judgment and decision process be skewed by someone not privy to those details.

I had a fracture in my foot 5 weeks ago. The ortho showed me the x-ray and it looked close to where the arrow is on the picture. the injury was from falling about 2 feet straight down and landing on the ball of my foot on a 2x4. Pain was too intense to even let the weight of my foot rest on the ground. The ortho gave me a boot to wear on that leg. After a couple days I could stand on it with the boot. Two or three weeks later, I could stand on it without the boot, but walking without the boot was painfull. Now 5 weeks later there is still a sharp pain where the break was and a pain behind the secon smallest toe.

I have an appointment in a couple days. Is a fair amount of pain after 5 weeks normal? I don't know what to expect. Is is OK wto walk on if there is still some pain? Or is the pain just from getting everything working right again? Is there anything I should ask the Doc?

To the most recent poster who isn't sure of the type of fracture you have or the healing time. Obviously don't take this advice as gospel, but I am 3 months into an avulsion fracture of the fifth metatarsal (not a jones fracture), and I would advise you to ask your Doctor exactly what type of fracture it is that you have. At this stage you seem unsure and the treatments are different depending on the type of fracture. If it is a Jones fracture, it is unfortunately quite notorious for non-union and taking a very long time to heal without surgical intervention. That is why it's important to know exactly what type of fracture you're dealing with. All the best!!

hey all i need some advice.ive just had a fracture on my ring finger,which is an incomplete fracture and not very serious.as i am an avid guitarist,i am terribly saddened and i would like to ask how long do u guys think it will take till i can play my guitar again.please help me i am deeply saddened by my fracture and my only friend to me is my guitar.what should i do?please help......

I had surgery 7 weeks ago and am now back on antibiotics with an infection in the blood post surgery.

Best of luck with your surgery.

Take note folks. THIS is the way to present an anecdotal response. It clearly specifies that it is based on an individual's personal experience, and recognizes the fact that each person's experience will likely differ. I am constantly struck by the definitive and unequivocal nature of so many lay posters' statements which seem to indicate that what he/she had experienced in his/her probable once-in-a-lifetime experience can be translated into advice and predictions for others. One would expect an experienced doctor to be able to offer definitive advice based on years of experience, but not a lay person with obviously limited experience. I applaud this poster for doing it the right way.

Alright, I had a Jones fracture in my 5th Meta...the orthopedic Surgeon determined it was better to go in and insert a screw. App. 10 weeks ago, I had my surgery. About a month ago, I went back in to see the Dr. and he informed me that the fracture was healed. I would concur that the fracture was extremely obvious, but when we reviewed my xrays, it was no more. So last wk they went back in and removed the screw.
My only question is how long will it take now to walk again? When will I be able to put pressure on my foot or where a tennis shoe?

REALLY . . . Wouldn't the appropriate person for you to have asked these questions to be the same doctor who performed your surgery, has assess your physical capabilities, knows your status and is taking responsibility for your care? I simply cannot understand why anyone might be willing to ask of and take such specific advice from anyone else.

Now had you instead said . . "My doctor told me thus and such and I was wondering whether this is generally consistent with recommendations for this sort of injury and surgery," I might understand that . . . But you DIDN'T.

Can wearing Crocs (or pressure from the strap button) cause symptoms that mimic those of a 5th metatarsal fracture (or even cause one over several weeks)? Try as I may, I cannot recall incurring any specific injury or direct trauma to that area of my left foot, but it started out sore (after getting out of winter boots and lace-up shoes and back into sandals and mostly Crocs--which never hurt last summer or fall) and now hurts quite a lot directly over the bony protuberance that corresponds to the rear end of the 5th metatarsal. (By contrast, the right foot is fine). Now, going barefoot or wearing *any* of my shoes (before I bought some new ones, see below) aggravates this pain, which sometimes radiates as a burning sensation atop my foot. It is at its worst when first getting up from sleeping or resting my feet; and with walking, abates somewhat but does not go away.

This may or may not be relevant, but I pronate like crazy, have advanced OA in both knees, and have a massive bunion (going on 37 yrs now) on my left foot. I am 58 and obese but not massively so. (Yeah, I know--just about EVERYTHING can be aggravated by obesity). I am neither an athlete nor a dancer, though I do perform (singing & playing guitar) standing up weekly for 30-60 min. at a time and drive long distances with no comfortable way to hold my idle left foot. (I may have really aggravated it this weekend on a plane trip--walking long distances through airports, unsuccessfully trying to get comfortable on flights whether shod or barefoot--I wore the Crocs because of the ease of getting out of and back into them at the TSA areas). I went to a specialty orthopedic shoe store today and was fitted with some dramatically more comfortable and supportive shoes--but the soreness is still there, albeit somewhat abated. Of course, the minute I go barefoot it hurts like hell again.

I would see my orthopod, but after the last few visits for stupid little things like broken toes, knee pain shots, and assorted sprains and bruises from a fall a couple of years ago, I hate to seem like a hypochondriac. But now I hear from the fitter at the orthopedic shoe store that such an injury can be a Jones fracture; after looking up the term I read it should be treated by restraining the foot and non-weightbearing--two things that are exactly the opposite of what I've been doing (and with my responsibilities, out of the question). Am I making much ado about nothing, or am I carelessly courting further injury or permanent pain? The pain is not unbearable but seriously impacts my ability to walk or stand. Should I get an x-ray or just keep watching and waiting?

well, I'm not sure what to do. Just thought I would add to the list of problems people have.
3 days ago I was kitesurfing, long story short, I fell about 20 feet onto hard pack beach sand. The impact hurt, but I walked it off and kept kiting. Well, the past 2 days I have been limping around. The first 2 or 3 minutes that I start walking after being off my feet, my foot does not hurt, but than the pain around the end of my 5th metatarsal, closest to my ankel, starts hurting and becomes very painfull. I have no choice but to limp and hop. It seems the worst when my foot is flat and I start to take weight off it. If I walk on my tip toes it does not hurt nearly as much. Is this a bruise, strain, fracture? I am not sure if I should see a doctor or wait it out. A friend suggested that I might have misaligned the bones in my foot, but I have no clue what's wrong. Any free advice?
Thanks in advance,
wants to get back on his feet

Not that they are unusual to read here, but questions such as this are really impossible to meaningfully answer. Even more-so than disease processes, trauma requires a hands-on evaluation to determine the nature and extent of the problem. See a podiatrist or orthopedist. The information and advice won't come free, but it might well be the best money you'll spend.

I hurt my foot dancing on Feb 13. Was diagnosed with a Jones Fracture and casted on Feb 19th. Six week later with only minor healing evident was asked to use boot and crutches for another month. Eventually on June 26th Ortho guy did surgery and put in an intermedulary (sp) screw and bone graft. Another six weeks off of the foot and xrays still do not show substantial healing.
I've been advised to be off of it till Sept 8. My question is: If this does not heal by that time, what's next?? None of the medical journals I find in a google search seem to go beyond surgery of the type I've already had. Are there any other options??
Thanks

DISCLAIMER:
THE FOLLOWING IS OFFERED GRATIS AS GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY, AND, AS SUCH, MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE SPECIFIC QUESTIONER AND/OR HIS/HER PROBLEM. IT IS CLEARLY NOT BASED ON ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE AND/OR EXAMINATION OF THE QUESTIONER OR HIS/HER MEDICAL HISTORY, AND IT CAN NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS DEFINITIVE MEDICAL OPINION OR ADVICE. ONLY THROUGH HANDS- ON PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH THE ACTUAL PATIENT CAN ACCURATE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS BE ESTABLISHED AND SPECIFIC ADVICE BE GIVEN. NO DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS CREATED OR ESTABLISHED OR MAY BE INFERRED. THE QUESTIONER AND/OR READER IS INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN DOCTOR BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY SUGGESTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, AND TO ACT ONLY UPON HIS/HER OWN DOCTOR’S ORDERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. BY THE READING OF MY POSTING WHICH FOLLOWS, THE READER STIPULATES AND CONFIRMS THAT HE/SHE FULLY UNDERSTANDS THIS DISCLAIMER AND HOLDS HARMLESS THIS WRITER. IF THIS IS NOT FULLY AGREEABLE TO YOU, THE READER, AND/OR YOU HAVE NOT ATTAINED THE AGE OF 18 YEARS, YOU HEREBY ARE ADMONISHED TO READ NO FURTHER.
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It is sometimes necessary to undergo re-operation and sometime bone growth simulators can be useful. But Jones fractures can take months to heal and it may be premature to make any definitive evaluations now.

My husband was playing with our daughter, chasing her around the house, when he crashed his toe into a door frame. The pain has been excrutiating and he went to a doctor today. Dr. told him to stay off his foot and gave him a prescription for painkillers and said he could get a walking cast if he wants one, but it's not necessary. From what I'm reading here and elsewhere online, it sounds like he's setting himself up for a long and ineffective recovery without adequate treatment. Any thoughts? Experiences to share? Has anyone here heard of a Jones fracture healing with essentially no treatment? I am very skeptical.

DISCLAIMER:
THE FOLLOWING IS OFFERED GRATIS AS GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY, AND, AS SUCH, MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE SPECIFIC QUESTIONER AND/OR HIS/HER PROBLEM. IT IS CLEARLY NOT BASED ON ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE AND/OR EXAMINATION OF THE QUESTIONER OR HIS/HER MEDICAL HISTORY, AND IT CAN NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS DEFINITIVE MEDICAL OPINION OR ADVICE. ONLY THROUGH HANDS-ON PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH THE ACTUAL PATIENT CAN ACCURATE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS BE ESTABLISHED AND SPECIFIC ADVICE BE GIVEN. NO DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS CREATED OR ESTABLISHED OR MAY BE INFERRED. THE QUESTIONER AND/OR READER IS INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN DOCTOR BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY SUGGESTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, AND TO ACT ONLY UPON HIS/HER OWN DOCTOR’S ORDERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. BY THE READING OF MY POSTING WHICH FOLLOWS, THE READER STIPULATES AND CONFIRMS THAT HE/SHE FULLY UNDERSTANDS THIS DISCLAIMER AND HOLDS HARMLESS THIS WRITER. IF THIS IS NOT FULLY AGREEABLE TO YOU, THE READER, AND/OR YOU HAVE NOT ATTAINED THE AGE OF 18 YEARS, YOU HEREBY ARE ADMONISHED TO READ NO FURTHER.
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Where do you get to "Jones fracture" from what you've said about his hitting a toe? Even if he fractured the toe, and you've said nothing about his even having an x-ray to determine whether he did or not, it wouldn't generally require a cast. If he selected a competent doctor who told him what you said, why are you making anything more of it than what was told to him? If either of you think that it's more serious than you've been told, then he should see another doctor for a second opinion.

DISCLAIMER:
THE FOLLOWING IS OFFERED GRATIS AS GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY, AND, AS SUCH, MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE SPECIFIC QUESTIONER AND/OR HIS/HER PROBLEM. IT IS CLEARLY NOT BASED ON ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE AND/OR EXAMINATION OF THE QUESTIONER OR HIS/HER MEDICAL HISTORY, AND IT CAN NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS DEFINITIVE MEDICAL OPINION OR ADVICE. ONLY THROUGH HANDS-ON PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH THE ACTUAL PATIENT CAN ACCURATE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS BE ESTABLISHED AND SPECIFIC ADVICE BE GIVEN. NO DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS CREATED OR ESTABLISHED OR MAY BE INFERRED. THE QUESTIONER AND/OR READER IS INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN DOCTOR BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY SUGGESTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, AND TO ACT ONLY UPON HIS/HER OWN DOCTOR’S ORDERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. BY THE READING OF MY POSTING WHICH FOLLOWS, THE READER STIPULATES AND CONFIRMS THAT HE/SHE FULLY UNDERSTANDS THIS DISCLAIMER AND HOLDS HARMLESS THIS WRITER. IF THIS IS NOT FULLY AGREEABLE TO YOU, THE READER, AND/OR YOU HAVE NOT ATTAINED THE AGE OF 18 YEARS, YOU HEREBY ARE ADMONISHED TO READ NO FURTHER.
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Where do you get to "Jones fracture" from what you've said about his hitting a toe? Even if he fractured the toe, and you've said nothing about his even having an x-ray to determine whether he did or not, it wouldn't generally require a cast. If he selected a competent doctor who told him what you said, why are you making anything more of it than what was told to him? If either of you think that it's more serious than you've been told, then he should see another doctor for a second opinion.

The doctor did an x-ray and that is the diagnosis from him. He is not our regular doctor; she was not in today and my husband saw the only doctor that would see him today, who I am leery of since he has misdiagnosed injuries of my friends in the past. I am trying to build a case to talk my husband into getting a second opinion, because I don't fully trust this doctor, but he would rather hobble around in pain and disregard the notion that not treating it properly now may lead to difficulty later.

DISCLAIMER:
THE FOLLOWING IS OFFERED GRATIS AS GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY, AND, AS SUCH, MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE SPECIFIC QUESTIONER AND/OR HIS/HER PROBLEM. IT IS CLEARLY NOT BASED ON ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE AND/OR EXAMINATION OF THE QUESTIONER OR HIS/HER MEDICAL HISTORY, AND IT CAN NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS DEFINITIVE MEDICAL OPINION OR ADVICE. ONLY THROUGH HANDS- ON PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH THE ACTUAL PATIENT CAN ACCURATE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS BE ESTABLISHED AND SPECIFIC ADVICE BE GIVEN. NO DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS CREATED OR ESTABLISHED OR MAY BE INFERRED. THE QUESTIONER AND/OR READER IS INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN DOCTOR BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY SUGGESTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, AND TO ACT ONLY UPON HIS/HER OWN DOCTOR’S ORDERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. BY THE READING OF MY POSTING WHICH FOLLOWS, THE READER STIPULATES AND CONFIRMS THAT HE/SHE FULLY UNDERSTANDS THIS DISCLAIMER AND HOLDS HARMLESS THIS WRITER. IF THIS IS NOT FULLY AGREEABLE TO YOU, THE READER, AND/OR YOU HAVE NOT ATTAINED THE AGE OF 18 YEARS, YOU HEREBY ARE ADMONISHED TO READ NO FURTHER.
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So you are saying that the doctor took an x-ray and told your husband that he had a JONES FRACTURE, not just a fractured toe? As I advised in my initial response, if one's husband is untrusting or or uncomfortable with his doctor's advice regarding ANY medical problem, unless he is a minor or has been adjudicated as incompetent, HE should be the one to seek a second opinion. If he doesn't have that much sense, I hardly think any case a wife might make by virtue of supposition by anyone on the Internet would matter.

I am helping care for an alzheimer's patient (she was early onset 6 years ago and now ten months into assisted living at 63) who suffered a jones fracture 4 weeks ago (described to me as complete but not displaced at the midline of the 5th metatarsal). She is due back for her 4 week assessment on Friday but has already worn out two casts. First she was in a plexiglass cast and wheelchair (non weight bearing) but refused to comply and ruined that cast in a week. Next they went to plaster and a walking boot with a walker (partial weight bearing) and she won't/can't comply with that either (part personality and part simply cannot remember or grasp significance). She is slowly picking her plaster cast apart as well as walking outdoors without the boot (or walker...).

Problem is the more we get on her (we have increased her companion hours and alerted the staff at the facility to monitor her) the more she stresses and that stress effects her overall condition. We have talked to her neurologist and surgery (because of the potential effects of anesthesia and a stint in rehab) could be devastating to the progression of her alzheimer's so she has advised us that is an absolute last resort.

So my question is what is the downside of not treating this fracture long term? Obviously she would have some pain (has some now but insists it's because of a non existent corn...). She is somewhat the diva, alway's has been, so even complying with wearing appropriate footwear is a pipedream. We want to do what's best for her but given the advancing alzheimers it's become somewhat debatable.

I will be with her Friday for her appointment. She is scheduled for cast removal and ex-ray which given her discomfort and non compliance I already assume will involve us being told there is little or no healing going on. We assume they will re-cast it again for now. I will have this conversation with the orthopod (but have been told by the woman who accompanied her on the first two visits that he appeared somewhat impatient with her situation). Would just like to know in advance what the long range consequences of non healing (including not persuing the surgery) would entail.

I have no connection with this site, I get nothing for my participation here and only a tiny fraction of the several thousands of responses which I have offered over several years on this forum and the non-defunct version which this current iteration has replaced have been anything but well-received and appreciated. My responses are responsible and professionally accurate but sometimes unrestrained in the frankness which both I and most all doctors, but for business reasons, would, from time to time rightfully LOVE to express to a selected few of our private patients.

But just as you have found it acceptable if not necessary to prefix your question addressed specifically to me with a derogatory characterization, so too, I feel unrestrained in responding in kind. Nothing elicits testiness, especially when soliciting free advice from a professional who normally gets paid for that service, but has chosen instead to spend some of his time and efforts in attempting, for gratis, to help folks, then to prefix his or her question with an insult. So, instead of supplying you with the answer which I might otherwise have given, I will live up to your assumptions and indeed offer you nothing but the testiness you expect. Asking nicely NEVER hurts and when solicited in such a manner I have absolutely no compunction about not being remunerated. If I did, I wouldn't spend my time here. Honest appreciation is more than enough payment for me, but insults will not do the trick.

Ive just come out of a non weight bearing cast which i had on for 6wks due to a jones frature 5th metarsal due to football!! been to the hospital to have cast off and have a x-ray to see how the frature is!? went to see the doctor and see said it hasnt heeled but is heeling?? i saw the x-rays and the fracture looks the same as the 1st x-rays 6wks ago!!? now the doctor said give it another 5wks using the crutches for 1-2 weeks then start walking without them! sureley this will cause more damage not help heal the fracture? i used crutches for 6wks not put any weight on my cast and it didnt heal now doctor say walk!!? i dont feel confiedent that this will be healed in another 5wks time!! can you PLEASE give me some advise as it means im still on the sick from work where im a postman and im also a semi pro footballer ive got a feeling it wont be healed after the 5wks!!

DISCLAIMER:
THE FOLLOWING IS OFFERED GRATIS AS GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY, AND, AS SUCH, MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE SPECIFIC QUESTIONER AND/OR HIS/HER PROBLEM. IT IS CLEARLY NOT BASED ON ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE AND/OR EXAMINATION OF THE QUESTIONER OR HIS/HER MEDICAL HISTORY, AND IT CAN NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS DEFINITIVE MEDICAL OPINION OR ADVICE. ONLY THROUGH HANDS-ON PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH THE ACTUAL PATIENT CAN ACCURATE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS BE ESTABLISHED AND SPECIFIC ADVICE BE GIVEN. NO DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS CREATED OR ESTABLISHED OR MAY BE INFERRED. THE QUESTIONER AND/OR READER IS INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN DOCTOR BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY SUGGESTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, AND TO ACT ONLY UPON HIS/HER OWN DOCTOR’S ORDERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. BY THE READING OF MY POSTING WHICH FOLLOWS, THE READER STIPULATES AND CONFIRMS THAT HE/SHE FULLY UNDERSTANDS THIS DISCLAIMER AND HOLDS HARMLESS THIS WRITER. IF THIS IS NOT FULLY AGREEABLE TO YOU, THE READER, AND/OR YOU HAVE NOT ATTAINED THE AGE OF 18 YEARS, YOU HEREBY ARE ADMONISHED TO READ NO FURTHER.
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By now you are surely aware that Jones fractures are notable for their often stormy healing process, but though I am not willing to accept that by viewing an x-ray you are capable of determining whether or not any healing is occurring, it is not uncommon for full healing to take several months. Definitive advice offered by anyone without specific knowledge of your status by examination would be unwarranted, meaningless and perhaps dangerous, and such cannot be deemed to be a valid second opinion of which you might rely. My best advice would be that if your have questions about the appropriateness of your doctor's treatment, choose another well-vetted doctor for a hands-on second opinion.

Ive just come out of my cast which i had on for 6 weeks thanks to a jones fracture but on having my cast of its not healed fully as yet! so my doctor has said to use one crutch and start putting weight onto my foot.ive goto go back in 4weeks for another x-ray.do you think its worth my while buying a aircast boot? as im getting alot of aching in my foot at the moment due to walking is this normal?

As you are currently under the care of a doctor who is managing your injury, all questions regarding your care should be directed to that doctor. If you do not have confidence in his/her response or care, then seek a second hands-on opinion from a qualified and well-vetted specialist.

So I am wandering how do you find the right specialist? As I have recently had surgery for carpal tunnel on both wrists and I am very disappointed with the surgeon and his office-then this...a jones break that 3 different emergency room doctors have told me needed surgery 3 weeks ago..Began with the intial emergency room visit, the doctor gave me a surgeons number and told me that it was going to need done, so I visited this (surgeon) who put me in a walking cast and told me to walk on it (no problems) I asked him if he was sure about that-and yep he was fine. So a week goes by and the pain is increasing (unbearable) so I called him and told him that I my child had also jumped on the couch where I was laying (per docs instructions: remove the boot at night, relax, and sleep without it. His response (what do you want me to do about it-& I wouldn't recommend returning to the ER they will do nothing for you) So against his advice I went back to the same er-who did nothing (wouln't even re-exray it to insure it hadn't gotten worse. So being stubborn I went to a neighboring city hospital-who treated me very well including new exrays & said (I NEED SURGERY now not later) so I called me doctor with the news, and took him the exrays that showed it had split more-he said no it hadn't and that all three doctors were wrong-he would do surgery in 6 weeks if it hasn't healed....SIX weeks later I go back to the doctor and he tells me I need surgery (supposed to be scheduled for 9/18-so I need to know how to choose the right doctor. It is almost impossible to find out anything about a doctors history, successes, cases, or how many complaints they have ad against them. I don't want to continue going through more than necessary so if someone could help I would appreciate it. (by the way the pain is bad ut no where near what it was and I have waited the pain out six weeks just to go start over when he could have done this like I was told he should have then and I wouldn't be going through it twice.

Most states have information about all licensed professionals including doctors. On the website, you can confirm that they are indeed licensed in the state and whether there are any complaints or license revocations etc. Just go to you states website and you should be able to find the info. Did you go to a general orthopedist or one that is certified in foot and ankle surgery? You mentioned being unhappy with the results of your carpal tunnel surgery. Did the same Dr. treat you for your foot? I recently (7 weeks ago) had carpal tunnel surgery done by a board certified hand surgeon (reccomended by my primary). I have had a very smooth recovery and am completely pain free now. I had a podiatrist perform my modified kidner four weeks ago.

Due to the fact that time is generally of the essence, it is difficult if not impossible to be able to adequately research the selection of a doctor who is needed to treat a trauma emergency, but when time can appropriately be taken . . .

HERE'S WHAT I GENERALLY ADVISE ONE TO LOOK FOR IN A PODIATRIC SURGEON:

1. Real board certification . . There is ONLY ONE recognized surgical board in podiatric medicine, and that is the ABPS (American Board of Podiatric Surgery), the "American Board Division" and not simply the "Ambulatory Sub-Section" or some other so-called "Ambulatory" group. Don't be impressed by all the other organizations which the doctor claims to be a member of or even certified by. If your surgeon is board certified by the "American Board Division" of the ABPS he/she surely will have a certificate to that effect pridefully displayed in the office.

2. Hospital privileges at a well-respected hospital in your area. State Licensing Boards, which grant podiatric graduates license to practice within its state, really demand insufficient proof that the doctor is a good one. In fact, most licenses are granted prior to the private practice of the doctor, and unless he/she had done or subsequently does something R E A L L Y bad, and does it often enough, and has been reported for same, the doctor will remain in good standing. Hospital privileges offer at least two advantages. Firstly, hospitals have a vested interest (financial and reputation) in providing good care. To obtain privileges on a hospital staff, a doctor must supply the credential committee with proof of adequate training, and an essentially clean record in practice. Then the individual department "credentials" the individual with a process know as "delineation of privileges," and so specifies which procedures he/she is qualified to perform, frequently based on actual surgical assessment by a qualified staff member. (Not all surgeons on a hospital staff will necessarily be permitted to perform all procedures for which he/she is legally allowed). Also, when surgery is performed in a hospital setting, rather than behind the walls of an office, the surgeon and his/her technical abilities are on display for peers to see, and they can't very easily or for very long be swept under the rug as can easily be done in the office.

3. Find out to what degree of respect your surgeon is held within the local medical community . . Not by his/her friends, but by his/her peers. Many states keep a database, available to the public, where the doctor's malpractice and disciplinary record may be checked.

4. In my opinion, the very last place to go is patient references, as most patients have no way of assessing the skills of their doctors. If they had successful surgery, he/she must be good, and if not, he/she must not be good. But more importantly, since most folks do not know what makes a good or bad doctor, they rate the personality, and when a surgeon is coming at your body parts with a sharp knife, personality is absolutely no consideration.

Surgery, as well as all medical treatments, always has the potential for failure and undesirable results. Part of being a good surgeon is in knowing how and when to deal effectively with the untoward event which do occur. There is no one best method for most surgeries, as not all similarly named conditions are exactly alike, and so procedures should be tailored to the individual case. That's another skill necessary for the good surgeon . . knowing what needs to be done and doing it effectively.